Froth flotation apparatus with water recovery and method

摘要

The invention relates to the concentration of particulate matter by froth flotation and in particular to improvements leading to the conservation of water. The apparatus includes an upstanding flotation compartment adapted to contain a relatively quiescent body of aqueous pulp. Aqueous pulp is introduced into and float fraction is collected from the upper portion of the flotation compartment, and hydraulic and aeration compartments are disposed near the bottom of the flotation compartment for aerating the water therein. A water-collecting compartment connected to the bottom of the hydraulic and aeration compartments is adapted to receive water from the latter. A tailings-discharge duct centrally of the flotation compartment extends through the hydraulic, aeration and water collection compartments to discharge fluidized tailings. The water-collecting compartment is connected to drain into a water-replenishing reservoir having an outlet leading to a pump which in turn is connected back to the hydraulic and aeration compartments. The reservoir is adapted to receive other water from a suitable source. Water draining from the water-collecting compartment is thereby recovered and recirculated back to the hydraulic and aeration compartments.